As most of you know, I've my ablation booked for 26th oct with Sabine Ernst at the brompton, getting very weird thoughts about it now it's close, just want it done out of the way now as the worry and anxiety of having the op is very high, hopefully everyone else felt this way and it proved to be not worth the worry....😬😬
Strange feelings: As most of you know... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Strange feelings
38 Replies
•
Hi Jugsy - Yes, the way you are feeling now is perfectly normal. I can't imagine anyone not feeling a little apprehensive about having an ablation, especially as it draws near. I was more anxious about having my third one last July than I was with my first about 6 years ago.
Afterwards you realise that really there was no need for any worry at all.
Best wishes.
Jean
Hi Juggsy, - not just ablation. I think whatever procedure we undergo causes apprehension and anxiety. CV, endoscopy, varicose veins, etc. all carry concerns. I think it's something to do with handing over control to somebody else. You're no different.
Bring it on and very best wishes.
Yes, it's a leap in the dark and you are entitled to be apprehensive. I think the alarm subsides somewhat when you are there and a part of the whole thing. You gain a sense of confidence in the expertise that is available to you. It's a big day for you but it is just another working day to the team who will be looking after you. I had a long wait for my second ablation - it was postponed time and time again because I could not get warfarin levels to behave and on the day there were delays and we started late. So lots of opportunities to get wound up. I seriously thought it might go very wrong and the chance of success felt about 10%. As you say, the worries were completely unfounded. I had no major problems and it enabled me to give up medication and moved me into a much better situation.
My wife will be ok, she's booked into the Chelsea harbour hotel for 2 nights..... alright for some😂😂
PeterWh• in reply to
They have family accommodation available at the hospital!!!!
• in reply toPeterWh
Yes but when we factored in parking costs Pete, there wasn't much difference, we had the Chelsea harbour on a secret hotel deal at £170 for two nights, the brompton accommodation was £100, then parking which seemed to be £30 per 24 hours, plus breakfast included st the Chelsea harbour
PeterWh• in reply to
I'm afraid to say that the comment was basically tongue in cheek-hence the exclamation marks!!! Would have been more easily understood if spoken.
I had guessed you had got a special deal and even if it was a bit more at the hotel probably worth it.
Join the club. I was nervous first time but it was a doddle. Had it under sedation which I was particularly concerned about but to be totally honest, time flew by and it was fascinating. It did hurt at one point, and they immediately knocked me out, next thing woke up in bed. Had to be careful with the groin wound for about a week; showering was OK though, I just tried to keep it dry (showering with the plaster on) and then fitted a new dressing afterwards. Make sure you get a supply of the right ones. Got mine from the local chemist prior to the procedure.
Don't forget you can't drive for a while, legally (a week, pass????).
By the way I came out immediately without any AF and no drugs either except anti-coagulants which I'm on for life I guess. I couldn't feel my heart after the op, it was strange and extremely pleasant after all the thumping and bumping I used to get. AF came back a little bit after 8 years.
Have a good one.
Koll
• in reply to
Mines being done under GA so hope for a nice dream
Gracey23• in reply to
Juggsy, I'm scheduled for ablation on Wednesday October 19. I understand your nerves, me too! My grandson has a bad cold and in a way I hope I get it so I can postpone. The waiting is really awful. I too am going under General anesthesia for the first time and happy I'll ne asleep but scared about how I'll feel when I wake up. Everyone on this forum says it's easy especially Bob who says it's easier than root canal! 😀
• in reply toGracey23
I've never had root canal so I've nothing to compare it to, most I've had is a knee op for ligament
Gracey23• in reply to
I had a flutter ablation few years ago under sedation, was easy and went home same day. Sounds like this isn't quite as easy but never had flutter again so hoping same results. We are in this together, good luck to you, Gracey
Come now Gracy you do not need a bad cold and in any case you have made the decision to go through it and therefore you would only be postponing the inevitable.
Best wishes for 19th I will be thinking of you.
Pete
Thanks Pete , no cold yet! Trying to be positive and not understanding why this is so hard for me, Gracey
Being apprehensive is prefectly understandable.
Not too long now and this time next week it will be over.
Mazza23• in reply to
That's the first thing I said to the nurse I can't feel my heart ,she jumped up and said WHAT haha
Juggsy, I don't know whether you asked Sabine Ernst about her complication rate? I have spoken to her about this and the figures were very very low indeed- I was very impressed- so I hope all goes very well for you- you are in good hands!!
Keep up up to date and good luck!!
Very natural feeling I wanted to run a mile ,but once you are there you get caught up in the prep and before you know it the mask is on your face and you are off with the fairies good luck xx
Dear Juggy75
I think I will use a paraphrased parliamentary reply here and "refer my learned friend to the replies to you I made recently".
Glad you are having a GA. Whist I admire Koll for his positive approach to the sedation, having experienced both options GA was infinitely easier for me to cope with.
Be positive and try and focus on the likelihood that this will be the first and last ablation you have and that afterwards you could well be free of this cursed problem once and for all.
My thoughts will be with you.
Pete
• in reply topottypete1
Trouble is Pete, that's hardly ever the case, is first time ablation ever that successful
pottypete1• in reply to
Yes it is!!!
Bob has a very sound theory that the successful patients don't stay around this forum once they have had their ablation.
In any case although I am the exception to the first ablation success rule I am determined to keep trying if my last one turns out not to have been a success.
Remember that more than 80% of first time ablations are successful. If this wasn't the case I don't think NICCE would allow it to be such an acceptable remedy.
Please relax I am hoping for the best for you.
Pete
PeterWh• in reply to
Jugsy
Apart from what pottypete1 has said please look up the booklets on the main AFA website and infor from past patients day presentations.
You will see that the first time success rates for ablations are circa 90% for flutter; circa 70% for those with paroxysmal and yes its true that for persistent it is 20% to 30% and for some of us in persistent AF no chance first time (I was told than - but I still went ahead).
Since you have had less than a handful of attacks and since you are in very good hands and since Sabine s using some of the latest mapping equipment I would have thought that in your case there is a very high chance of success first time. In addition there is the new technique!!!
From what I have read mainly here over the last two years, you can balance out your very normal concerns with the fact that with a GA with Sabine at the Brompton, you have the dream team only available to a few. Very best wishes.
I think it's a big decision to make to have the procedure. Brilliant to be at that point. It's only natural to have worries, fears and all manner of thoughts. My best way of dealing with things once I've made a decision is knowing that that is my plan and knowing I've spent the time coming to the decision with my reasons and then (the easy bit for me to say and hard bit for you) is to concentrate on other things and if I find myself thinking about my quandary again to tell myself decision made and again to think of something else. The day will come soon enough and you will be in and out with it behind you - not downplaying the risks or fears here but by agreeing to procedure those have been accepted so try not to allow your thoughts to torment your self and you stay in control of your mind. If you're really not sure about it then identify your fears with a close friend. What would you advise another to do if it weren't you? I don't know if that helps or not but be strong!
Your nearly there juggsy, so hang on in there. It will all be worth it in the end and done and dusted.
Brenda🐝
Yes lots of doubts and apprehension as the day approaches, perfectly normal, should I, shouldn't I, family offering opinions (but they don't have AF). Deep down you know it's the best course to take. Then, as others above say ,on the day you are swept into the system and all are professional, helpful and bring confidence. So go with the flow. It really is a breeze.
In that time remaining leading up to your ablation surround yourself with positive energy. Read happybooks ,watch funny movies and only watch positive television shows . Stress creates inflammation. Try to think beyond the procedure and how happy you will be when it is over
We have walked in your shoes and we are on the other side now and all is OK 😃
Geegee
Good luck Juggys.
Fully understand your worry and apprehension.
I'm at the stage where the decision is mine as to whether to ablate or not.
Just cannot explain my fear to anyone! I'm just so terrified of the whole procedure.
Please let me know how it goes for you. I'm sure all will be fine. Big hugs.
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Experiencing Strange Feelings
Merry Christmas Everyone. I am writing on here as I feel this community of ours is the only...
2 weeks post ablation - strange feelings in chest.......advice please
Hi all,
Just wondering what other folks experiences are post ablation. I had ablation on 13th June...
This Is Very Strange
Has anyone on this post ever experienced this, while sitting in my computer chair when I lean back...
Strange feeling
Having just been back in NSR after 12 hours of a fib, I had lunch and went back to my office (lucky...
A strange question….
Never had cold feet before I started on Flecainide but have done over the last year and a half...
strange ECG on Kardia
So interesting feelings..
Strange symptoms
Strange Attack
Strange occurrences 
